This is for those who missed my post on Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) The Chinese Herb Of Immortality. Personally, I would say that this herb is a must-have. It is an adaptogen and was found to have 82 saponins (the chemical source of adaptogenesis) compared to 28 found in standard ginseng. It is said to be better than ginseng and can be easily cultivated. “Jiaogulan may actually be the most powerful adaptogen out there”. An adaptogen is a substance with an ability to restore the natural condition or the balance of the body functions, which explains why Jiaogulan is so effective and has such a wide range of applications: Anti-tumor & anti-cancer; Antioxidant (Increases superoxide dismutase (SOD) production by 282% on average!); HypotensionANDHypertension (studies have shown that Jiaogulan is 82% effective in lowering blood pressure.); Diabetes; Fights fluoride toxicity; Improves fitness and endurance; Improves cardio function; Improves the immune system; Promotes longevity; Protects against radiation. For how to cultivate Jiaogulan see my comment to John at the article above. If you place some of the fast growing shoots in a water bottle, they will grow roots very quickly. I have added many very interesting scientific studies down below, which are not mentioned in the article above.

The Jiaogulan plant from the far-distant mountains of China that is so powerful that locals call it “the herb of immortality”. In the Guizhou Province of China, one of the places where jiaogulan (literally, twisting-vine orchid) grows most abundantly, the natives have nicknamed the herb they regularly consume as tea “the herb of immortality.” They also credit it with their reportedly long life spans.

The list of jiaogulan’s benefits is impressive and includes its ability to:

Regulate cholesterol

Maintain healthy blood pressure levels

Improve digestion

Enhance heart muscle (especially contractility)

Protect and modulate the immune system

Protect against free radical damage

Regulate hormone levels in men and women

Jiaogulan may even help inhibit cancer growth. At its essence, this Chinese herb is an incredible balancing compound. If something (like your cholesterol, for instance) is higher than it should be, it lowers it. And if something is too low, it raises it.